The value of new rims obviously depends upon the rims you have and the rims that you acquire. Assuming that you move up the rim gradient, your rims will probably be lighter and more aerodynamic. When you are nearer the pointy end of the spear than I am -- and every second counts -- superior rims are probably a worthwhile investment. However, IMHO, until you are there, your money is probably better spent on other things. I have seen several articles explaining how to get the most bang for your buck in terms of tri gear investment, and rims usually are not very high. In addition, IMHO, for most people, the focus should be on training more and training more effectively, rather than on new equipment.

Richard

If they didn't help much at all, do you think Racedaywheels would still be in business?

Putting a number on number of minutes saved would have so many variables, but some people would do it to save 3 minutes, and others would pass at the chance to buy 15 minutes.

Not really sure.
I do know for sure they sound and look cool.
I also know i feel faster which makes me go faster.

sounds dumb but so true.

[quote=TryScott]If they didn't help much at all, do you think Racedaywheels would still be in business?

Putting a number on number of minutes saved would have so many variables, but some people would do it to save 3 minutes, and others would pass at the chance to buy 15 minutes.[/quote]

Actually, I think Racedaywheels would be in business just because people THINK they may get an advantage. Heck, half the products in the market for triathlete's exist because we want to think we can buy free speed.

They help a lot. Rather, they did for me. I'm an average cyclist with lots of sweat and desire put forth to improve. One thing that I have done, besides the obvious of riding a lot, indoor training, weights etc, that made a big difference was a set of good wheels.

For a few years I trained and raced on some aluminum American Classic 420's. They were a solid wheel for me, no complaints. I was having trouble breaking a 20mph average over the half iron distance. Recently, I purchased a set of Profile Design Altair 80's [and a front 52] and my avg has jumped to 21. Now, I have worked very hard on other aspects like getting my fit dialed in, weights, and a lot of miles pushing a big gear but I noticed a huge difference with a set of nice wheels.

60-70 seconds improvement in an Oly based on some testing
http://www.tri-talk.com/Top20.asp

I think the average improvement was 67 seconds. Just doing some math:
Rider does a 40K bike split in 1:05:07 on regular wheels = 22.89mph ave
Rider steps up the wheels and goes 1:04 (67 seconds faster) = 23.29 mph ave
wheels resulted in .4mph improvement
Does that matter? Depends on who you ask.
Could it actuallly yield a better improvement? sure, this was done a few years ago so I would expect the newer technology may yield some additional imnprovement, but the stock wheels are probably also better.

[quote=warrenp]I also know i feel faster which makes me go faster.[/quote]

That's a big part of it. If you think you feel fast(er) or look fast(er), then the wheels or silly sperm helmet worked.

[quote=dkhartung]Actually, I think Racedaywheels would be in business just because people THINK they may get an advantage.[/quote]

You're right, so I'm not arguing. I've rented from them several times (good experiences, too). I didn't get an advantage per se because nearly everyone had the same wheels (some variation of a high-profile front and deep dish or disc rear). Now if everyone raced on high-spoke count, entry-level Mavics and I had some sweet Zipps, then maybe. But any time savings I made were just that: Savings, not gains. I didn't gain any placing in my AG because again, (nearly) everyone has some souped-up wheels. So there's a good bit of "Me too!" syndrome going on (guilty).

The other factor to consider is that the faster you are the faster lighter/ aero wheels will get you.

When I first started out (2008) I average around 19-20 mph for a 3-4 hour ride on some heavy aluminum wheels. Rented race day wheels (808's) and only added about 20.5. so about 12-15 min of savings.

Now fast forward to today and I average around 21mph for a 5 hour ride. Point to consider is that the 5 hour ride now is more of a conservative/ consistent effort vs. all out hang on for dear life in 2008. My purchased 808's w/ rear disc cover and I average around 23mph for the same duration. THus equating about a 30 min advantage.

The science behind the wheels suggest that in order for the aerodynamics to work for you you have to be going faster than 21 mph (approx) and the faster you go the more benefit it brings.

So basically in 2008 I got faster with high-end wheels mainly because of the weight, and today I am faster due to both. However, there is still much to gain with every little bit of power I can add in the form of aerodynamics.

My advice. For training stick to the heavier aluminum wheels. They'll give you less problems and make you work harder.